Landscaping Rules in Temple Terrace, FL (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Temple Terrace, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Temple Terrace Code Enforcement requires turf grass and weeds on residential and vacant lots to be maintained under 12 inches. Overgrown lawns trigger courtesy notices followed by abatement mowing with costs liened to the property.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Homeowners in Temple Terrace may trim trees on their own property but must follow ANSI A300 standards for health and should hire an ISA-certified arborist for large or hazardous work. FL §163.045 limits local permit requirements when a certified arborist documents danger to persons or property.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 163.045(2)
A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property. A tree poses an unacceptable risk if ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removal of protected trees in Temple Terrace normally requires a tree removal permit through the city unless the tree meets the FL §163.045 danger exemption documented by an ISA-certified arborist. The city has historically been known for its oak-lined streets and enforces replacement mitigation.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 163.045(2)-(3)
A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property. A local government may not require a ...
Weed Ordinances
Weeds, invasive vines, and uncultivated vegetation over 12 inches are prosecuted as nuisances under Temple Terrace Code Chapter 14. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the lot edge to the street pavement, including the city right-of-way strip.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Temple Terrace is within the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Tampa Bay region year-round watering restrictions: 2 days per week for most residents, before 10 AM or after 4 PM, with addresses setting day assignments.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Temple Terrace. SWFWMD and Hillsborough County offer rain barrel rebate and workshop programs. No permit is required for simple residential rain barrels or cistern systems under typical household scale.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Florida-Friendly native plantings are expressly protected in Temple Terrace under FL §373.185. Homeowners may replace turf with native, drought-tolerant landscaping without facing nuisance citations, though HOAs may impose additional design standards.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 373.185(3)
The Legislature finds that the use of Florida-friendly landscaping and other water use and pollution prevention measures to conserve or protect the state's water resources serves a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners' associations and local governments is essential to the state's efforts in water conservation and water quality protection and restoration. A deed r...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is generally allowed in Temple Terrace backyards and is common for pet areas, though front-yard use and HOA-governed properties often require architectural review. No citywide ban exists but zoning landscape buffers still require live vegetation percentages.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Some RestrictionsLooking for Hillsborough County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Temple Terrace city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Hillsborough County →